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Deadline Extended For Proposals To Help Strengthen Climate Resilience, Improve Water Quality

Grant submissions now accepted through July 28

PROVIDENCE – To allow applicants additional time to develop robust proposals, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has extended the deadline for 2017 Bay and Watershed Restoration Grant applications to Friday, July 28, 2017. Some $6.4 million in matching grants is available to help communities reduce flooding, control stormwater, and strengthen Rhode Island's climate resilience. Proposals are being solicited for three categories of grants:

Stormwater Pollution Abatement Projects - $3 Million Available
Projects that improve stormwater management and abate stormwater pollution. Collaborative projects that incorporate green infrastructure on a watershed basis, capital projects that strengthen local stormwater management programs, and projects that implement a Best Management Practice identified through an approved stormwater management plan or restoration plan are encouraged. Grants will provide 50 to 75 percent of project costs.

Flood Prevention and Mitigation Projects - $3 Million Available
Projects that reduce or eliminate the long-term risk of flooding in coastal or inland areas and enhance natural ecosystem functions. Eligible projects include the restoration of floodplains and stream banks, removal of impervious surfaces and re-vegetation in flood-prone areas, culvert replacements, dam removals, and projects that mitigate flooding risks to developed properties. Grants will provide 50 to 75 percent of project costs.

Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement Projects - $400,000 Available
Projects that address indirect (or 'nonpoint') sources of pollution and improve water quality/aquatic habitat. Projects include those that address pollution from farms, removal of cesspools or converting to a non-discharging wastewater treatment system, or mitigate stormwater pollution in areas not covered by a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Projects in five targeted geographic areas are eligible for funding, including Bristol-Kickemuit River watershed, Barrington-Palmer-Warren Rivers watershed, Aquidneck Island watershed, Nonquit Pond watershed, and Wood-Pawcatuck watershed.

Nonpoint source and stormwater pollution are significant causes of poor water quality. Grant funding is made possible via the 2014 Clean Water, Open Space, and Healthy Communities Bond ($3 million), the 2016 Green Economy Bond ($3 million), and the federal Clean Water Act Section 319 program ($400,000). For more information or to apply for these grant opportunities, visit www.dem.ri.gov/growgreenRI. Electronic applications are encouraged; however, proposals may also be mailed to the DEM Permit Application Center, 235 Promenade Street, Second Floor, Providence, RI 02908. Final proposals and supporting materials are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 28, 2017. Local, state and regional governmental agencies, as well as public schools, universities, businesses, and non-profit watershed, environmental or conservation organizations, are eligible to apply.

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